IJAMSVILLE, Md. — A veteran Maryland firefighter died Wednesday after getting trapped in a home’s basement after falling through the first floor while battling a blaze.
“Tell my family I love them,” were the last words Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Capt. Josh Laird said as the basement filled with fire and smoke, WJLA reported.
Investigators said a lightning strike caused the fire.
Units arrived and Laird fell through the first floor as he entered the home, WBAL reported. Other firefighters quickly worked to get him out of the burning home. He was then taken by helicopter to a hospital where he died.
He had served 21 years with the fire agency.
“This unexpected loss of a father, a husband, and a brother to firefighters across the nation, will have a lasting impact on the Frederick and Fairfield communities,” Frederick County Fire Chief Tom Coe said. “We are and will be here for them now and in the future.”
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said flags would be flown at half-staff in honor of Laird.
“On behalf of all Marylanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, his fellow firefighters, and to all those who loved him,” he said.
A crowd-sourced funding account was set up to help his family.
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